Methods and apparatus for increasing resolution in digital imaging systems by offsetting pixels

Methods and apparatus for increasing resolution in digital imaging systems reposition the fixed detector arrays (or the red, green, and blue images on the detector arrays) so that the resolution of the composite three color image is increased. For example, the green CCD image is shifted horizontally and vertically 1/3 of a pixel with respect to the red CCD image, and the blue CCD image is further shifted horizontally and vertically 1/3 of a pixel with respect to the green CCD image. Image alignment may be accomplished with some combination of CCD movement and/or image movement. The color recovery process, also called reconstruction, may be aided by use of one of several interpolation methods. Color filter arrays may be used over the CCDs.